When the time comes to move on and list your home, getting it ready to show is an important first step. The better you present your house, the more someone will want to buy it. Potential buyers want to see a picture-perfect home, so try to give it to them. Buyers understand that people live in the homes, but when they’re touring a house that might become their own, they want to see the ideal—not the reality.
These tricks and tips for preparing to list your home will have your home off the market in no time. Some of these suggestions are simple and fast; others might take some money and sweat equity. How much you want to put into it is up to you.
Clean the Carpets
The first thing people notice when they enter a house is the floor. Buyers will want to see what state the carpeting is in—what they don’t want to see is stained or smelly carpet. If you have carpeting, have it professionally cleaned so that buyers can focus on other aspects of the house.
Tend the Landscape
Curb appeal is everything. If the outside of the home looks bad, potential buyers won’t even want to go inside to see the rest. A front yard or shrubs that haven’t seen a lawnmower in weeks make the property look unkempt and give the impression that the owners are lazy and don’t care. Trim the bushes, mow the lawn, and rake the leaves so that the exterior looks as good as the interior.
Light a Candle
Bad odors in the house are an easy fix. Light a scented candle or two before showings so that your home is pleasant and inviting for potential buyers. A nice scent makes people feel at home and relaxed.
Make Repairs
No matter how minor they are, make any necessary repairs. Buyers and realtors will see everything that needs fixing, and they’re keeping mental lists. Tighten the leaky faucet, replace the broken outlet cover, and switch out the light bulbs. It all matters.
Add a Welcome Mat
It might seem trivial, but having a new welcome mat on the front porch is inviting. Let potential buyers know they’re looking at the house of a thoughtful person who minds the details.
Eliminate Clutter
Gigantic couches and chairs can make a room feel tiny. Remove any excess furniture or decorations in the house to make it seem more open. Rearrange what’s left to make the rooms seem larger and more spacious. Call Help Me Rhonda 330-908-1499.
Tone it Down
Your personal taste and decorating style is just that—yours. Not everyone shares your views on decorative plates or your love of pink. If you have an eclectic decorating style, paint the walls white and take down anything that might be too loud or over-the-top.
